Dining at Casa Labia by Ideas Cartel is a truly enchanting experience for discerning guests who appreciate the kind of refinement that the establishment is synonymous with, with vast ocean views, sprawling lawns to relax on and romantic interiors.
This versatile venue is located along Main Road in Muizenberg and is a remarkable national monument renowned for its stunning multi-functional cultural offerings. The opulent architecture and interior design of 18th-century Venice served as inspiration for its 1929 construction.
Its restaurant serves delicious Italian-style food, excellent wines, coffee, cakes and pastries; offers pre-booked picnics on the lawn with magnificent views of the False Bay coastline; and is the ideal winter destination for date nights.
Also read: Italy comes to Cape Town: The history of the Casa Labia
Once the cherished home of Count and Countess Natale Labia, Casa Labia underwent a meticulous two-year restoration by the family before finally opening its doors to the public in 2010.
Today, it stands as one of South Africa’s most exquisite cultural hubs, beckoning visitors to explore its rich history and artistic flair.
Casa Labia’s interior fittings were imported from Venice, and to ensure they were done in authentic Venetian style, an Italian interior decorator named Angelo Zaniol was brought in by the Count and remained in Cape Town for the rest of his life, leaving behind a still life in the dining room.
Completed in 1930, the house became a prominent meeting place for diplomats, academics and businessmen, including South Africa’s Minister of Finance from 1924 to 1939, Nicolaas Christiaan Havenga and entrepreneur Isidore William Schlesinger.
In September 2020, the management of Casa Labia Cultural Centre was taken over by Cape Town-based Ideas Cartel.
The building now comprises a members club, coworking space and a public restaurant, with two suites available for overnight booking.
Since opening to the public, Casa Labia by Ideas Cartel has consistently focused on delivering an exceptional experience in an unparalleled and unique setting.
Casa Labia by Ideas Cartel can also be hired for weddings, private events, dinners, conferences, cocktail parties and film or stills shoots.
Casa Labia’s restaurant is a delightful culinary haven, serving up delectable Italian-style cuisine that is both simple and satisfying.
This 110-seat restaurant exudes charm, warmth and authenticity. Its menus seamlessly blend two cultures, featuring classic Italian dishes prepared with local and proudly South African ingredients, resulting in unforgettable and distinct flavours.
Guests can satisfy their culinary curiosity with exquisite masterpieces of Italian cuisine, an impressive selection of wines, exceptional coffee and homemade cakes and pastries. For a unique experience, high teas and picnics can be pre-booked, allowing guests to enjoy the stunning views of the False Bay coastline.
High tea by the sea
The Exclusive High Tea Experience costs R395 per person and is served during morning or afternoon seating in their exquisite ballroom.
On elegant tier stands, guests are served a delectable selection of sweet and savoury treats. While unlimited tea is included, any other hot beverages will be charged separately.
On weekdays, the high tea service is available from 11am to 5pm, while on weekends, guests can choose between two sessions: the morning session, which runs from 11am to 1pm, or the afternoon session, from 3pm to 5pm.
Availability is subject to change, and direct bookings are recommended to secure your preferred seating.
The high tea experience includes:
Savoury:
- Salmon and Cucumber Roulade with Lemon Cream Cheese and Gremolata Chicken
- Basil and Garlic Aioli Sandwiches Rolled in a Crushed Nut Crumble
- White Truffle Arancini Balls with Garlic Aioli
- Meaty Mozzarella Bites with Tomato Jam
Sweet:
- Chocolate Eclairs with Crème Pâtissière topped with Raspberry Dust
- Lemon Poppy and Elderflower Lamingtons
- Decadent Chocolate Brownies with Toasted Marshmallow Fluff
- Baked Cheesecake with Peanut Butter Fudge Crumble
- Mini Scones with Chantilly Cream and Homemade Berry Compote
- French Custard Tartlet topped with Fresh Fruit and Passionfruit Coulis
Selection of Tea:
- Earl Grey
- Ceylon
- Strawberry
- Breakfast Tea
- Chamomile
- Peppermint
- Jasmine Green Tea
Casa Labia by Ideas Cartel is open Monday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch with an a la carte menu and offers an assorted pizza menu from 12pm on Wednesdays through Sundays.
The restaurant’s winter menu features hearty dishes like slow-cooked beef ossobuco and creamy mushroom risotto that will leave guests warm and satisfied.
Learn more about the Ideas Cartel’s other events and experiences here.
Diners who appreciate the refined atmosphere that the restaurant and overall venue are known for will find Casa Labia by Ideas Cartel to be a truly enthralling experience.
Casa Labia by Ideas Cartel truly is a versatile venue and cultural jewel by the sea.
Details:
- Location: 192 Main Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Thursday, 8am to 5pm | Friday and Saturday, 8am to 9pm | Sunday, 8am to 5pm
- Book: dineplan.com
- Contact: 072 902 0440 | [email protected]
- Website: casalabia.com
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